Growing cilantro (also known as coriander) at home is a great way to have fresh herbs on hand for cooking. Here's a general guide to help you get started:
Choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7. If you're growing cilantro indoors, place it near a sunny window.
Sow the cilantro seeds directly into the soil, planting them about 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart. If you're planting in rows, space the rows about 2-3 inches apart.
Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings have emerged, which should take about 1-2 weeks. Then, water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to over-water or allow the soil to become waterlogged.
Thin out the seedlings as they grow, so that the remaining plants are about 6 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and develop properly.
Keep the area around the cilantro weed-free, as weeds can compete for water and nutrients.
Cilantro is a cool-season herb and will bolt (go to seed) when the weather starts to get hot, so it's best to plant it in the spring or fall. To prolong the life of the plant, you can plant it in the partial shade.
Cilantro is ready to harvest about 4-6 weeks after planting when the leaves are full and green. You can harvest the leaves by cutting the stems above the lowest set of leaves. You can harvest it as needed but be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.
You can also collect the seed of the cilantro, after it has flowered and gone to seed, to save for next year's planting. The seeds are known as coriander seeds, used for cooking and in spice blends.
Note: Cilantro is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to keep it healthy and productive. Also, Cilantro is known for self-seeding, that can be a positive or a negative, depending on your gardening style.
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